Brighton and Hove Albion
Ground: Withdean Stadium (6,960)
Nickname: Seagulls
Last Season: 4th in Division 2 (playoff winners)
Latest Odds: Champions 100/1 (Ladbrokes)
Rangers Fixtures: HOME-Jan 1st WITHDEAN- Sept 18th
Lowdown: Last season’s promotion saw the Seagulls swap divisions for the fourth time in as many years and this year looks no different. A squad that lacks depth and a cutting edge should struggle to hold its own in a very competitive league, despite the goals from 5ft4 striker Leon Knight. Brighton are yet to dive into the transfer market, disabling their chances of consolidating this year and relegation looks ominous.
QPR MAD Prediction: Relegation
Burnley
Ground: Turf Moor (22,546)
Nickname: Clarets
Last Season: 19th
Latest Odds: Champions 2001/1 (Ladbrokes)
Rangers Fixtures: HOME- Oct 30th TURF MOOR- Feb 19th
Lowdown: Burnley punched above there weight in there first two seasons since promotion to the 1st Division, but since missing out on a playoff place by a solitary goal in 2002 the Clarets have been distinctly ordinary. Stan Ternant was sacked last season and Steve Cotterill has been given charge with the aim to start climbing the table again and a top-half finish. The directors are surely being a little to ambitious and following the departures of key players such as Glen Little (Reading), Paul Weller and David May (both released), Burnley should struggle to make the grade and drop out of the Championship. John McGreal will offer some much needed experience and talent in the division’s worst defence.
QPR MAD Prediction: Relegation
Cardiff City
Ground: Ninian Park (19,000)
Nickname: Bluebirds
Last Season: 13th
Latest Odds: Champions 25/1 (Ladbrokes)
Rangers Fixtures: HOME- Nov 27th NINIAN PARK- May 8th
Lowdown: Cardiff achieved a respectable mid-table finish last season despite the exploits of Welsh international Robert Earnshaw scoring for fun after winning promotion in 2003. The club’s crippling debt may force the Bluebirds to sell prized assets such as Earnshaw and Danny Gabbidon after the bank announced the Welsh capital side are more than £30m in the red. The club will be aiming at a playoff place in their second season at this level but in a very competitive league, a similar position from last term looks most likely. Robert Page has been brought in to replace Spencer Prior (released) in the heart of the defence.
QPR MAD Prediction: Mid-Table
Coventry City
Ground: Highfield Road (23,633)
Nickname: Sky Blues
Last Season: 12th
Latest Odds: Champions 20/1 (Ladbrokes)
Rangers Fixtures: HOME- Sept 28th HIGHFIELD ROAD- Jan 22nd
Lowdown: The Sky Blues ended last term on a high after a disappointing start to the season. Eric Black who helped revive the Midlands club was ruthlessly sacked in favour of former Sunderland boss Peter Reid to take the reigns. Reid has been installed with the task of bringing Premiership football back to Coventry, and if he works a few tricks the Sky Blues could just squeeze into the playoff spots. Tim Sherwood (Tottenham) has been brought in to captain the side and despite loosing Youssef Safri (Norwich), the noises coming out of the club expect they mean business.
QPR MAD Prediction: Playoff Contenders
Crewe Alexandra
Ground: Gresty Road (10,046)
Nickname: Railwaymen
Last Season: 18th
Latest Odds: Champions 200/1 (Ladbrokes)
Rangers Fixtures: HOME- Dec 28th GRESTY ROAD- Sept 14th
Lowdown: With Dario Gradi in his umpteenth season in charge of the Alex another year of "over-achieving" surely follows suit. Crewe always seem to get the better of the bookies and impress supporters nationwide with their pretty footballing formula. After 2003’s promotion back to the 1st Division, a satisfactory finish followed and this year the club are expected to continue their steady progress. David Wright (Wigan) will be a big loss but Dean Ashton and Kenny Lunt remain at the club proving there is still quality talent at the club. A top-half finish is surely out of the question but the Railwaymen should avoid relegation comfortably- expect a few surprises along of the way.
QPR MAD Prediction: Bottom Half
Derby County
Ground: Pride Park (33,597)
Nickname: Rams
Last Season: 20th
Latest Odds: Champions 50/1 (Ladbrokes)
Rangers Fixtures: HOME- Aug 21st PRIDE PARK- March 16th
Lowdown: Following relegation to the 1st Division the Rams have gone through a transition phase. Coming very close to relegation the club has started to rebuild its financial position and performances on the pitch under George Burley. With a careful mix of exciting young talent and steady pro’s County should stay clear of relegation and improve on last year’s position. Morten Bisgaard (Copenhagen) a Danish international midfielder and Tommy Smith (Sunderland) have been shrewd signings to compliment an already solid squad of players. This season should see the Ram’s fortunes changing for the better, although the progress will be slow.
QPR MAD Prediction: Bottom Half